The Athletics, currently holding a 64-77 record and ranked fifth in the AL West, are coming off a two-game losing streak as they prepare to visit the Los Angeles Angels. Despite a challenging season, the Athletics have shown resilience on the road with a 35-37 record. Managed by Mark Kotsay, the team will be looking to gain some momentum at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.
The Los Angeles Angels, with a record of 66-74, are ranked fourth in the same division. Under the guidance of manager Ron Washington, the Angels have been consistent at home, boasting a 34-35 record. With both teams struggling recently, this game presents an opportunity for the Angels to improve their standing and edge closer to the .500 mark.
Taking place on a mild evening with clear skies, this game promises to offer an intriguing battle as both teams aim to finish the season strong. As the Angels hold the favored odds at -153 on the moneyline, the Athletics will need a strong performance to overcome the hosts. The game will be broadcasted on NSPCA, providing fans a chance to witness the action unfold at 9:38 PM on September 5, 2025.
Angels vs Athletics At a Glance
- Game Location: Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA
- Current Records: Athletics 64-77 (5th in AL West), Angels 66-74 (4th in AL West)
- Broadcast Information: Televised on NSPCA
- Weather Forecast: Clear sky with mild temperatures and a light breeze
- Game Odds: Athletics +130, Angels -153, Total 9.0
- Game Time: Friday, September 5, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Angels Set for Showdown with Athletics: A Detailed Analysis
Athletics Hitting Performance
The Athletics enter this game with a batting average of .228, ranking 21st in the league. Their on-base percentage stands at .301, placing them 20th, and they hold a slugging percentage of .401, which ranks them 14th overall. Despite their struggles to get on base, they have demonstrated power with 195 home runs, the 4th highest in the league.
They’ve managed 193 doubles, putting them in the 21st position. However, their walk rate, with 431, ranks 16th, showing a moderate ability to draw walks. The Athletics have also been aggressive on the base paths with 73 stolen bases, which ranks them 21st in the league.
Athletics Pitching Overview
On the mound, the Athletics have a team ERA of 4.70, which is 26th in the majors. Opponents are batting .259 against them, placing their batting average against at the 20th spot. The pitching staff has given up 192 home runs, ranking 24th in this category.
They have produced 44 quality starts, ranking 13th, showing some consistency from their starting rotation. However, they have struggled with 30 blown saves, which ranks 12th. Their strikeout numbers are low with 1,092 strikeouts, positioning them 25th in the league.
Athletics Players to Watch
Key players for the Athletics include their power hitters, who have helped them achieve a high home run total. Despite their lower batting average, their ability to hit for power is a critical component of their offensive strategy. The lineup will need to capitalize on this strength to challenge the Angels’ pitching.
Defensively, the Athletics will rely on their starting pitcher, Mason Barnett, who holds an ERA of 11.25 and a WHIP of 2.00. Barnett’s performance will be crucial in trying to contain the Angels’ hitters and give the Athletics a chance to succeed.
Team Betting Trends
- SU in Away Games: 32-39 (45.1%)
- Runline as Underdog: 66-41 (61.7%)
- O/U All Games: 74-66 (52.9%)
- O/U in Away Games: 36-35 (50.7%)
- Runline vs Division: 34-23 (59.6%)
Conclusion
The Athletics will need to rely on their home run capability to put pressure on the Angels’ pitching staff. With their starting pitcher struggling, it will be vital for the Athletics to jump out to an early lead and maintain their defensive structure throughout the game.
Meanwhile, the Angels will aim to capitalize on the Athletics’ pitching vulnerabilities. Both teams will need to execute their game plans effectively, but the Athletics’ power hitters will be central to their chances in this game.
Athletics Aim to Rebound Against the Angels
Away Team Overview
The Athletics enter their upcoming game with a recent record of 64-77, striving to improve their standing in the division. Despite recent struggles, they hold a promising offensive ranking with a team batting average of .253, placing them 5th in the league.
The Athletics’ slugging percentage of .433 ranks 4th, indicating a solid ability to generate extra-base hits. However, their pitching has been a concern, with an ERA of 4.83, placing them 28th in the league.
Key Players to Watch
Nick Kurtz has been a standout performer for the Athletics, boasting a batting average of .308 along with 28 home runs and 72 RBIs. His ability to drive in runs will be crucial for the Athletics’ offensive output.
Shea Langeliers, hitting .260 with 29 home runs, continues to demonstrate his power at the plate. His performance will be vital, particularly given his recent accolades as the American League Player of the Month for August.
Recent Performances
In their recent game against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Athletics struggled, managing only 1 run in a 5-1 defeat. Nick Kurtz provided the lone highlight with his 28th home run of the season.
Previously, the Athletics managed a strong offensive showing against the Cardinals, securing an 11-3 victory. JJ Bleday and Zack Gelof contributed significantly with multiple home runs.
Pitching Matchup
Mason Barnett is set to start for the Athletics with an ERA of 11.25 and WHIP of 2.00, aiming to bounce back from a challenging first start. His performance against the Angels will be closely monitored as the Athletics look for stability on the mound.
The Angels will counter with José Soriano, who has a solid 3.68 ERA and a win-loss record of 10-9. This pitching duel will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the game.
Athletics Betting Trends
- SU Last 3 Games: 1-2 (33.3%)
- SU in Away Games: 35-37 (48.6%)
- Runline in Away Games: 42-30 (58.3%)
- O/U All Games: 70-71 (49.6%)
Angels vs Athletics Prediction: Over 9.0
The matchup between the Athletics and Angels features two teams with struggling records, but their recent head-to-head games often surpass the set total. This season, the last ten meetings between these teams have hit the over 70% of the time, suggesting a trend towards high-scoring games.
In this game, the Athletics will start rookie Mason Barnett, who has had difficulties on the mound, evidenced by an ERA of 11.25 and a WHIP of 2.00. With Barnett’s struggles and an Angels offense that has demonstrated power, this game could see a considerable number of runs from both sides.
The Angels’ starting pitcher, José Soriano, maintains a respectable 3.68 ERA but faces an Athletics lineup that has shown flashes of power, particularly from players like Shea Langeliers. Given Barnett’s vulnerabilities and Soriano facing a capable lineup, this game could easily reach double-digit runs.
Considering the recent performances and the starting pitchers, the projection is for a high-scoring game. The final score is projected to be Angels 7 – Athletics 5, well over the total of 9.0.
- Angels vs Athletics Prediction: Over 9.0
- Angels vs Athletics Score: Angels 7 – Athletics 5
